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The Buried and the Bound #2
The Summer Queen
This captivating sequel to The Buried and the Bound draws readers into the twisted and irresistible world of the Fair Folk—perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince and The Hazel Wood.
As a new coven, Aziza, Leo, and Tristan faced evil and triumphed. All that’s left is to put their lives back together, a process complicated by the fallout from painful secrets, the emotional and physical scars they now carry, and the mysteries that still haunt them.
But with the approach of the solstice comes the arrival of strange new visitors to Blackthorn: the Summer Court, a nomadic community of Fair Folk from deep in Elphame. They’ve journeyed to the border between the human world and fairyland, far from their usual caravan route, to take back something that belongs to them—something Leo’s not willing to lose.
Refusing to give up without a fight, he makes a risky deal with the Summer Court’s princess and regent. The challenge she proposes sends Coven Blackthorn into the farthest, wildest reaches of Elphame.
But when you play games with the Fair Folk, even winning has a cost.
As a new coven, Aziza, Leo, and Tristan faced evil and triumphed. All that’s left is to put their lives back together, a process complicated by the fallout from painful secrets, the emotional and physical scars they now carry, and the mysteries that still haunt them.
But with the approach of the solstice comes the arrival of strange new visitors to Blackthorn: the Summer Court, a nomadic community of Fair Folk from deep in Elphame. They’ve journeyed to the border between the human world and fairyland, far from their usual caravan route, to take back something that belongs to them—something Leo’s not willing to lose.
Refusing to give up without a fight, he makes a risky deal with the Summer Court’s princess and regent. The challenge she proposes sends Coven Blackthorn into the farthest, wildest reaches of Elphame.
But when you play games with the Fair Folk, even winning has a cost.
406 pages, Hardcover
First published January 23, 2024
31 people are currently reading
4302 people want to read
About the author
Rochelle Hassan
8 books246 followersRochelle Hassan is an author of middle grade and young adult fiction, including The Prince of Nowhere, The Buried and the Bound, and Nox Winters and the Midnight Wolf. She lives in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 3, 2024
The series has quite literally become one of my favorites of all time. It’s been such a long time since a book came along and just…hit every single little note that I love, but this series is it.
Rochelle Hassan is a master of her craft, and her ability to create multiple characters with multiple POVs that you all feel uniquely invested in is amazing. Aziza is a legend, Leo is a king, and Tristan is possibly one of my favorite characters ever.
The melancholy love story between Leo and Tristan fires on all cylinders, and I hung on every word when it came to their scenes. I love them, I need more right this second, and I need both of those disasters to be HAPPY.
The story is tightly plotted, and while I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first book, it ends in a place that I’m so excited/terrified to see where it goes next.
Rochelle Hassan is a master of her craft, and her ability to create multiple characters with multiple POVs that you all feel uniquely invested in is amazing. Aziza is a legend, Leo is a king, and Tristan is possibly one of my favorite characters ever.
The melancholy love story between Leo and Tristan fires on all cylinders, and I hung on every word when it came to their scenes. I love them, I need more right this second, and I need both of those disasters to be HAPPY.
The story is tightly plotted, and while I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first book, it ends in a place that I’m so excited/terrified to see where it goes next.
January 1, 2024
i would like to personally thank rochelle hassan for writing the most heart-wrenching, gut-churning, beautiful, painful love stories this century. i’m actually speechless.
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February 11, 2024This was a fun sequel!! The characters are very likeable and I really appreciate how clearly this series is written for teens : they need these books and I'm happy to promote them 🖤 Recommended.
January 28, 2024
2024 reads: 20/250
2024 tbr: 15/120
i received a digital review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
this is the second book in the buried and the bound series.
aziza, leo, and tristan are working on putting their lives back together, which can be quite hard with as many secrets as they’re sharing. plus, with the solstice approaching, members of the summer court have been appearing in blackthorn, attempting to claim leo’s sister. when leo refuses, the summer court’s princess challenges the coven to a game that is sure to have a high cost.
after reading the buried and the bound from owlcrate’s box last year, i’ve been really excited to see what happened next. there’s so much going on both plot- and character-wise, yet i feel like hassan combined all these elements very well to make the book intriguing. i loved seeing each of the characters grow, though there is one more character who needs a little more growing (or remembering), so i guess i’ll be sitting around not-so-patiently waiting for the next book😭
2024 tbr: 15/120
i received a digital review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. this did not affect my rating.
this is the second book in the buried and the bound series.
aziza, leo, and tristan are working on putting their lives back together, which can be quite hard with as many secrets as they’re sharing. plus, with the solstice approaching, members of the summer court have been appearing in blackthorn, attempting to claim leo’s sister. when leo refuses, the summer court’s princess challenges the coven to a game that is sure to have a high cost.
after reading the buried and the bound from owlcrate’s box last year, i’ve been really excited to see what happened next. there’s so much going on both plot- and character-wise, yet i feel like hassan combined all these elements very well to make the book intriguing. i loved seeing each of the characters grow, though there is one more character who needs a little more growing (or remembering), so i guess i’ll be sitting around not-so-patiently waiting for the next book😭
March 10, 2024
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Summer Queen (The Buried and the Bound Trilogy #2) by Rochelle Hassan was an excellent sequel to The Buried and the Bound. I had no expectations going into the first novel but it has gone onto become an absolute favorite. I was very nervous if this would be as good, but it is possibly even better. This author ranks right up there with Holly Black and Melissa Albert for me. If you haven't tried Rochelle Hassan, I can't recommend this enough. I can't wait to read more from her in the future.
The Summer Queen (The Buried and the Bound Trilogy #2) by Rochelle Hassan was an excellent sequel to The Buried and the Bound. I had no expectations going into the first novel but it has gone onto become an absolute favorite. I was very nervous if this would be as good, but it is possibly even better. This author ranks right up there with Holly Black and Melissa Albert for me. If you haven't tried Rochelle Hassan, I can't recommend this enough. I can't wait to read more from her in the future.
January 19, 2024
WHAT DO U MEAN I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER YEAR FOR THOSE GAYS TO KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TO EACH OFHER
THE YEARNING. PLEASE.
AND AND ANDDDD
“YOURE SO FUCKING MINE”
I AM NOT OKAY PAY FOR MY THERAPY RIGHT NOW
THE YEARNING. PLEASE.
AND AND ANDDDD
“YOURE SO FUCKING MINE”
I AM NOT OKAY PAY FOR MY THERAPY RIGHT NOW
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
Fast-moving sequel that was as fun as the first book. The sequel finds our trio deep in the wilds of Elfhame on a mission that could cost them everything.
June 6, 2024
3.75/5 rounded up! This author does a great job with their character building. The main characters are lovable and it’s easy to get invested in their storylines. Slight points off for pacing, but I will definitely be reading the next book when it comes out!
August 8, 2023
I loved book 1 and I was so happy to be back in this universe in book two.
The Summer Queen is the sequel to The Buried and the Bound which follows three teens: Aziza who is in charge of securing the boundary between our world and the fae world and discovered the truth about her parents' death, Leo who can't remember his true love and recently learned that his sister is a changeling and Tristan who can't tell Leo he was the one he forgot and is now bound to Aziza who promised Leo she would keep him safe.
This book takes place mostly in Elphame and goes more into fae court politics as well as trading away favors and making deals. Something Hassan doesn't shy away from is consequences or danger: events from book 1 are still mentioned and referenced in book 1 and Aziza's hand is still injured. All of the seriousness of the book however, is also balanced by humor and there were points where I genuinely laughed out loud.
The other thing I love about Rochelle Hassan's writing and characters is I genuinely believe that our trio are friends and love each other. There is so much that each of them brings to the friendship and that is explored even more in The Summer Queen. The scene that struck me most was Tristan apologizing to Aziza and feeling guilty about being connected but Aziza asserts that they made her feel less lonely. At the same time, you understand why Leo likes Tristan and vice versa and see why Aziza has a soft spot for Leo. All three of these characters are strengths for each other and they are genuinely stronger together.
TLDR: book 2 is amazing, I stan Aziza always
The Summer Queen is the sequel to The Buried and the Bound which follows three teens: Aziza who is in charge of securing the boundary between our world and the fae world and discovered the truth about her parents' death, Leo who can't remember his true love and recently learned that his sister is a changeling and Tristan who can't tell Leo he was the one he forgot and is now bound to Aziza who promised Leo she would keep him safe.
This book takes place mostly in Elphame and goes more into fae court politics as well as trading away favors and making deals. Something Hassan doesn't shy away from is consequences or danger: events from book 1 are still mentioned and referenced in book 1 and Aziza's hand is still injured. All of the seriousness of the book however, is also balanced by humor and there were points where I genuinely laughed out loud.
The other thing I love about Rochelle Hassan's writing and characters is I genuinely believe that our trio are friends and love each other. There is so much that each of them brings to the friendship and that is explored even more in The Summer Queen. The scene that struck me most was Tristan apologizing to Aziza and feeling guilty about being connected but Aziza asserts that they made her feel less lonely. At the same time, you understand why Leo likes Tristan and vice versa and see why Aziza has a soft spot for Leo. All three of these characters are strengths for each other and they are genuinely stronger together.
TLDR: book 2 is amazing, I stan Aziza always
August 16, 2023
This book (and series) is a really nice low fantasy story aimed at teenagers. When so many "YA" books are only differ from "Adult" or "NA" as designation of the spiciness of romance or gore of violence, this author is speaking to high school age kids. I found it was a well-told adventure even as an adult, but I realized early on that I would have related to it more when I was fifteen or sixteen. The series centers on three teenagers discovering and growing their magical powers as well as their normal human teenage experiences of love friendships, and place in family. Teens growing into themselves, exploring first loves, and trying to understand their place in a not-so-perfect family would find this book enjoyable and probably be excited for the continuation of the series.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received advanced digital access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Roaring Brook Press) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
January 12, 2024
The Summer Queen is the sequel to The Buried and the Bound and it's just as great as the first book. We again are following Aziza, Leo, and Tristan as they head out of Blackthorn and into Elphame to the Summer Court for a bit of a rescue mission. This book has so many secrets that get revealed and some of them are pretty major to the story-line. I felt like the ending to book two was the perfect set up for the next book and I cannot wait!
Also there's a creature called a pooka in this story and I am absolutely in love with it. Literally the most precious creature.
I think I am going to ugly cry when this series comes to a conclusion because I have had such a great time reading this series.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC.
Also there's a creature called a pooka in this story and I am absolutely in love with it. Literally the most precious creature.
I think I am going to ugly cry when this series comes to a conclusion because I have had such a great time reading this series.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC.
February 17, 2024
Good lord I did not realize how much I loved this series, it’s filled me with a warm reading feeling I haven’t felt in a while, I need the last one RIGHT NOW please and thank you
March 4, 2024
Amazing. Perfect. Stunning. Magical. Wonderful. I will not shut up about this series for a long time.
I love the characters and the magic and the fae and literally everything about this book.
I love the characters and the magic and the fae and literally everything about this book.
January 25, 2024
If I were sorting this (and the previous book) based on vibes - which, honestly, is a large part how I sort books - then I would put it with the Cruel Prince trilogy. It's dark and creepy, but just exactly the right amount. It's also heartwarming and adventurous and full of brute force human magic borne of desperation and tricky, insidious, charming, treacherous fae magic.
It's a story of love lost and love found and hubris and naievety and political treachery. It's a story of bargains and tricks and alliances. I flew through it in a little over a day and absolutely hated every time I was forced to put it down. If I hadn't had to stop to make dinner for my kid, I would have finished it that first day, my own dinner be damned.
I was instantly transported back to the world and characters of the previous book as soon as I started, as if I'd never left. There was no struggling to get into it or remember what had happened - it was all fresh and immediate and vital. Now that I've finished, I want nothing more than to jump into the final book. Unfortunately, It's not out yet. Barring that, I want to jump back into this one and get caught up in the frenzied rush of it again. And I desperately, desperately want Leo and Tristan and Aziza to succeed and find happiness.
I want more of the characters and their bonds, more of the world and its traps, more of the tentative allies that were never clearly on one side or the other, more of the shifting sands of never clearly knowing what the sides even were because they kept changing.
An instant favorite and one I will definitely go back to. I instantly purchased the audio so I could experience it again in a new format.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Roaring Book Press for providing an early copy for review.
It's a story of love lost and love found and hubris and naievety and political treachery. It's a story of bargains and tricks and alliances. I flew through it in a little over a day and absolutely hated every time I was forced to put it down. If I hadn't had to stop to make dinner for my kid, I would have finished it that first day, my own dinner be damned.
I was instantly transported back to the world and characters of the previous book as soon as I started, as if I'd never left. There was no struggling to get into it or remember what had happened - it was all fresh and immediate and vital. Now that I've finished, I want nothing more than to jump into the final book. Unfortunately, It's not out yet. Barring that, I want to jump back into this one and get caught up in the frenzied rush of it again. And I desperately, desperately want Leo and Tristan and Aziza to succeed and find happiness.
I want more of the characters and their bonds, more of the world and its traps, more of the tentative allies that were never clearly on one side or the other, more of the shifting sands of never clearly knowing what the sides even were because they kept changing.
An instant favorite and one I will definitely go back to. I instantly purchased the audio so I could experience it again in a new format.
*Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, and Roaring Book Press for providing an early copy for review.
February 13, 2024
May I have book three please 🥺👉🏻👈🏻
March 4, 2024
"Does a human need a reason to be interested in a sparrow?"
The Summer Queen is the sequel to The Buried and the Bound, following Aziza, Leo, and Tristan as they grapple with the fey world around them while growing into their own powers and adulthood. I absolutely loved the first book and I was so eager to read this one - and I finished the audiobook in a single day.
We're back with another whirlwind adventure, this time dealing with the fallout of book 1 and Tristan's sister. I'll try to not give too much away, but the summer court of the Fae are coming into the picture along with a new hedgewitch in town! Tristan is still desperate to find his one true love, Leo is trying to survive as a necromancer and Aziza is trying to hunt down her family, and her missing friend!
But even with all that, there's still serious callbacks to the trauma from book 1, and the mysteries from it aren't over it, Rochelle's writing is the perfect blend for those who want a more serious atmosphere while still staying true to the YA roots.
I haven't read a YA book in a while that really focuses on friendship and found family as much as this one. Aziza, Leo and Tristan could not be more different in their personalities, pasts and powers but they have a bond that feels like it's been forged over years and this book only deepens it.
I (mistakenly) thought this was a duology and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's a trilogy. I can't wait to read more of their lives and see how it wraps up!
rep// mlm, POC mc
cw// death, injury, sexual assault (mentioned), loss of limb, blood
Find me on: instagram | tiktok
The Summer Queen is the sequel to The Buried and the Bound, following Aziza, Leo, and Tristan as they grapple with the fey world around them while growing into their own powers and adulthood. I absolutely loved the first book and I was so eager to read this one - and I finished the audiobook in a single day.
We're back with another whirlwind adventure, this time dealing with the fallout of book 1 and Tristan's sister. I'll try to not give too much away, but the summer court of the Fae are coming into the picture along with a new hedgewitch in town! Tristan is still desperate to find his one true love, Leo is trying to survive as a necromancer and Aziza is trying to hunt down her family, and her missing friend!
But even with all that, there's still serious callbacks to the trauma from book 1, and the mysteries from it aren't over it, Rochelle's writing is the perfect blend for those who want a more serious atmosphere while still staying true to the YA roots.
I haven't read a YA book in a while that really focuses on friendship and found family as much as this one. Aziza, Leo and Tristan could not be more different in their personalities, pasts and powers but they have a bond that feels like it's been forged over years and this book only deepens it.
I (mistakenly) thought this was a duology and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it's a trilogy. I can't wait to read more of their lives and see how it wraps up!
rep// mlm, POC mc
cw// death, injury, sexual assault (mentioned), loss of limb, blood
Find me on: instagram | tiktok
May 25, 2024
4.5/5 stars
Really enjoyed this book! In some ways it turned out like I thought it would, but the ways in which it did so and the pacing of events was not at all like I expected, so I was still left guessing the whole way through. I also find it interesting how so much was left unresolved in the end, as the first book's plot wrapped up the main thread much more conclusively, whereas that's not the case with this book. Still, I am really eager to see how it's all resolved, so I'll still definitely be picking up the third book in the trilogy!
As always, I loved all the lore, world-building, the magic system, etc, but the characters were definitely the shining stars this time around for me. Loved the spotlight being on Leo this time around, as he was my immediate fav in the first book. I love the bond our main trio has formed (particularly since Aziza and Tristan's relationship didn't get much in the first book), loved seeing Leo and Tristan's relationship continue to flourish (poor Aziza being the awkward third wheel so many times always made me laugh), Leo and Hazel's bond as siblings (and Hazel and Tristan's bond! I loved the brief moment they had in the first book, so I loved seeing more of them together in this one), etc. Beor definitely grew on me (his indignance that Tristan wasn't naming his dogs got me, I fear 🤣). And that moment between Tristan and Maria at the end straight up made me cry. 😭
Can't wait to see where things go from here! January can't come soon enough. 😅
Really enjoyed this book! In some ways it turned out like I thought it would, but the ways in which it did so and the pacing of events was not at all like I expected, so I was still left guessing the whole way through. I also find it interesting how so much was left unresolved in the end, as the first book's plot wrapped up the main thread much more conclusively, whereas that's not the case with this book. Still, I am really eager to see how it's all resolved, so I'll still definitely be picking up the third book in the trilogy!
As always, I loved all the lore, world-building, the magic system, etc, but the characters were definitely the shining stars this time around for me. Loved the spotlight being on Leo this time around, as he was my immediate fav in the first book. I love the bond our main trio has formed (particularly since Aziza and Tristan's relationship didn't get much in the first book), loved seeing Leo and Tristan's relationship continue to flourish (poor Aziza being the awkward third wheel so many times always made me laugh), Leo and Hazel's bond as siblings (and Hazel and Tristan's bond! I loved the brief moment they had in the first book, so I loved seeing more of them together in this one), etc. Beor definitely grew on me (his indignance that Tristan wasn't naming his dogs got me, I fear 🤣). And that moment between Tristan and Maria at the end straight up made me cry. 😭
Can't wait to see where things go from here! January can't come soon enough. 😅
August 14, 2023
This YA story needs more hype because it is GOOD! Honestly, if you love the fae from Holly Black, you will love this story and the 3 amazing POV characters inside. It's so rare for me to love every single POV in a book - and this one has managed it twice! The writing is absolutely beautiful, almost haunting in its descriptions, and there's plenty of twists and turns to keep readers attention. I really can't recommend this book (and the first obviously) enough!
Also? I thought this was a duology - and I'm not mad about it not being so. I want more and I'm so excited to be getting more! (At least I'm assuming so because it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts - a HFN - and there's so much that needs to be resolved there's no way this is the end right?)
Also? I thought this was a duology - and I'm not mad about it not being so. I want more and I'm so excited to be getting more! (At least I'm assuming so because it ends on a cliffhanger of sorts - a HFN - and there's so much that needs to be resolved there's no way this is the end right?)
October 1, 2023
4.5
I thought it would be hard to improve on the first book, but I liked this just as much if not more than the first one. It could just be a mix of me loving this world and the characters and just being happy to be back with them on their journey. I liked the direction this went in. I will be waiting anxiously for the next one.
I thought it would be hard to improve on the first book, but I liked this just as much if not more than the first one. It could just be a mix of me loving this world and the characters and just being happy to be back with them on their journey. I liked the direction this went in. I will be waiting anxiously for the next one.
February 2, 2025
Wow. I don't really have a clue where to start with this book because it was so perfect! It's one of my new favorites!
The characters were all developed to perfection. The magic was enthralling. The romance between Tristan and Leo made me cry on more than one occasion because I just want them to be permanently happy together because they deserve it!!! And Aziza's friendship to the two of them, no matter how stubborn she is at admitting they mean the world to her, is amazing.
One of the most beautiful parts to me out of all of the Summer Court's illusions, out of all of the detail and revelry, however, was the sibling bond between Leo and Hazel.
Leo went on a mission in Elphame that could have easily ended in either his death or his covenmates' deaths, and he did it all for his little sister, Hazel. Even though it was hard for him to realize that what Hazel wanted was not what he wanted, he finally came to the realization near the end of the story that her hapiness relied on his support of her decisons whatever they may be.
And, Tristan and Aziza were fighting right by his side to support him through everything.
I would recommend this book to anybody looking for a beautifully magical book to escape into. It is the second in the Buried and the Bound trilogy, so anybody who's read the first one knows how well Rochelle Hassan did with writing these novels.
(And how painful it is waiting for the third one to come out!)
The characters were all developed to perfection. The magic was enthralling. The romance between Tristan and Leo made me cry on more than one occasion because I just want them to be permanently happy together because they deserve it!!! And Aziza's friendship to the two of them, no matter how stubborn she is at admitting they mean the world to her, is amazing.
One of the most beautiful parts to me out of all of the Summer Court's illusions, out of all of the detail and revelry, however, was the sibling bond between Leo and Hazel.
Leo went on a mission in Elphame that could have easily ended in either his death or his covenmates' deaths, and he did it all for his little sister, Hazel. Even though it was hard for him to realize that what Hazel wanted was not what he wanted, he finally came to the realization near the end of the story that her hapiness relied on his support of her decisons whatever they may be.
And, Tristan and Aziza were fighting right by his side to support him through everything.
I would recommend this book to anybody looking for a beautifully magical book to escape into. It is the second in the Buried and the Bound trilogy, so anybody who's read the first one knows how well Rochelle Hassan did with writing these novels.
(And how painful it is waiting for the third one to come out!)
September 11, 2025
(4.5 stars)
This series has very quickly become a new favorite of mine. Although I very much enjoyed the first one, I had a couple minor complaints about it that dragged down its rating. This one, however, was close to perfect, and solved nearly all the issues I had with the first.
By far the best part of this series is the characters. I wasn't 100% sold on Aziza in the first book, but I LOVED her in this one. I was really fond of Tristan and Leo from the get-go, and I continued to love them more and more throughout the entirety of this book. Their relationship is also (in my opinion) the most exciting part of this series, and I cannot wait to see how they continue to develop in the next book.
I'm deducting half a star because the only minor complaint I have with this book is that the plot at times grew a bit convoluted. The first one was quite straightforward, and in comparison, there were periods of this one where the magic and plot grew a bit overly complicated, and the author resulted to a bit of info-dumping in order to get out the necessary information. That being said, I would always prefer too much worldbuilding to not enough, and so although this bothered me a bit, it wasn't hugely disruptive.
All in all, I loved this book, and I will be quite anxiously awaiting the release of the third book.
This series has very quickly become a new favorite of mine. Although I very much enjoyed the first one, I had a couple minor complaints about it that dragged down its rating. This one, however, was close to perfect, and solved nearly all the issues I had with the first.
By far the best part of this series is the characters. I wasn't 100% sold on Aziza in the first book, but I LOVED her in this one. I was really fond of Tristan and Leo from the get-go, and I continued to love them more and more throughout the entirety of this book. Their relationship is also (in my opinion) the most exciting part of this series, and I cannot wait to see how they continue to develop in the next book.
I'm deducting half a star because the only minor complaint I have with this book is that the plot at times grew a bit convoluted. The first one was quite straightforward, and in comparison, there were periods of this one where the magic and plot grew a bit overly complicated, and the author resulted to a bit of info-dumping in order to get out the necessary information. That being said, I would always prefer too much worldbuilding to not enough, and so although this bothered me a bit, it wasn't hugely disruptive.
All in all, I loved this book, and I will be quite anxiously awaiting the release of the third book.
February 12, 2024
I loved the first book, and this is a great sequel to it. Rochelle Hassan writes her characters so meticulously, and it is almost impossible not to fall in love with them. Leo, Aziza, & Tristan are such well written characters, and I absolutely love this trio.
We got to see more of the existing characters and met some new ones. We went deeper into Elphame this time, and it was an amazing adventure. New creatures were seen, new pacts/deals were made, some secrets were unfolded, and it was all really intriguing.
What I want more of:
•The Trio (obviously)
•LeoTristan scenes
•AzizaDion content
•Maria & Greg
•Anne (Really excited to meet her)
• Hazel being HAPPY
•Lucky (He's a softie)
•And POOKA, of course (so brave, so cute)
I had a great time reading The Summer Queen. I can't wait for Book #3, I know this series is supposed to be a trilogy, but I hope we get more books, I feel like there is so much left for us to discover.
We got to see more of the existing characters and met some new ones. We went deeper into Elphame this time, and it was an amazing adventure. New creatures were seen, new pacts/deals were made, some secrets were unfolded, and it was all really intriguing.
What I want more of:
•The Trio (obviously)
•LeoTristan scenes
•AzizaDion content
•Maria & Greg
•Anne (Really excited to meet her)
• Hazel being HAPPY
•Lucky (He's a softie)
•And POOKA, of course (so brave, so cute)
I had a great time reading The Summer Queen. I can't wait for Book #3, I know this series is supposed to be a trilogy, but I hope we get more books, I feel like there is so much left for us to discover.
November 28, 2025
this book filled me with that giddy joy of nostalgia, and i literally read them back to back.
first and foremost, hassan’s writing is so so beautiful. i could see every scene in front of me, down to the small smirks and ashes from the bonfires. she is truly an amazing writer, from the well thought out plots to her perfect characters and beautiful scenes.
speaking of perfect characters, these 3 idiots have carved their way into my heart and onto the podium for favorite trios in literature. aziza is such a strong, powerful character and i was so excited to see her grow in her magic. tristian has already grown so much, and every moment when he was happy and learning to be stronger in his abilities almost made me sob. and…leo. oh leo merritt, how my heart belongs to you. i could write an entire essay on why, but all im gonna say is caring, sarcastic, and slightly traumatized. nothing else really has to be said. along with her side characters (DION!!), hassan has really developed a perfect cast.
while i definitely preferred the first book to this one for its blurred lines between fantasy and reality along with the creative plot and blossoming relationships, this book was nothing short of a perfect sequel. ignore how it took me like 3 months to read it though..
first and foremost, hassan’s writing is so so beautiful. i could see every scene in front of me, down to the small smirks and ashes from the bonfires. she is truly an amazing writer, from the well thought out plots to her perfect characters and beautiful scenes.
speaking of perfect characters, these 3 idiots have carved their way into my heart and onto the podium for favorite trios in literature. aziza is such a strong, powerful character and i was so excited to see her grow in her magic. tristian has already grown so much, and every moment when he was happy and learning to be stronger in his abilities almost made me sob. and…leo. oh leo merritt, how my heart belongs to you. i could write an entire essay on why, but all im gonna say is caring, sarcastic, and slightly traumatized. nothing else really has to be said. along with her side characters (DION!!), hassan has really developed a perfect cast.
while i definitely preferred the first book to this one for its blurred lines between fantasy and reality along with the creative plot and blossoming relationships, this book was nothing short of a perfect sequel. ignore how it took me like 3 months to read it though..
May 5, 2024
I don't know if it's because we already knew the characters but I liked this one a lot more than the first book. Well I still had a lot of struggles with the narrator for Tristan, I felt like I was better able to manage that this time around. Maybe it's because I knew he was going to be narrating it going into it or just that this story worked a little better for me.
I really liked the element of the fae in this book and the magical system seemed a little bit more developed. I'm hoping we get another book that dives into some of the selkie culture and lore.
If we do get a third book, I can confidently say this book does not suffer from second book syndrome. It is engaging and interesting on its own and has its own set of conflicts to solve and new characters added to the mix.
I really liked the element of the fae in this book and the magical system seemed a little bit more developed. I'm hoping we get another book that dives into some of the selkie culture and lore.
If we do get a third book, I can confidently say this book does not suffer from second book syndrome. It is engaging and interesting on its own and has its own set of conflicts to solve and new characters added to the mix.
June 30, 2025
ok so i DID in fact stay up late to finish this one just like book one. i need to pick better times to start these books. 4.5 rounded up. dare i say cruel prince + raven cycle + buffy the vampire slayer? my only wish for book 3 is a slightly more robust female supporting cast (which does seem likely!!!). i love aziza, leo, and tristan so much
February 26, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. The relationships between these characters, their fears, their wants, and how slowly tiny bits of them are revealed are amazing. The voices did get a bit muddled towards the middle but by the end, the author hammered out their idiosyncrasies and each chapter became their own. Looking forward to the final book and as always Tristan chapter’s were a personal favorite to read as I identified more closely with his perspective.
April 15, 2024
took me forever bc i was in a slump but the last 200 pages took me barely any time. this is quickly becoming one of my favorite series ever and the characters mean so much to me but this book is so underground it hurts
July 25, 2024
adding to the list of books i need to reread in print. which i will do because the first book was one of my absolute favorites last year! hard to follow on audio. i love these characters and this world so much.
February 27, 2025
zee, tris & leo (and dion) i’m lovingly kissing y’all’s head now
March 15, 2024
My favorite character from the first book just became a main player in this sequel! Huzzah! Hazel was 💯 my favorite and I was super excited when she became the focal point of the plot! This novel delved more into the Fae and folklore too. I love the romance building between Leo and Tristan. The OwlCrate version is beautiful.
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